Winter Skincare: What Is Eczema?

Posted on: 5th Oct, 2017

The weather is getting noticeably chillier, and it’s possible that some of you are already experiencing the first symptoms of unwelcome winter skincare conditions. One such condition is eczema, and it’s so common that we thought it worth dedicating time on the blog to it this week. In the post below we’ll be explaining just a bit about the basics behind the condition, as well as how to deal with the symptoms. (And don’t forget, if you think you’re in need of immediate treatment, you can always call our Blackburn skincare clinic!)

What Is Eczema?

It’s likely that everyone reading this will have at least heard of eczema, even if you’ve been lucky enough not to suffer from it yourself – it’s sometimes referred to as one of the most common skincare conditions. This isn’t incorrect, though there’s a little more to it – it’s actually a collective term for a group of skincare conditions, which range in severity. In all cases it can best be described as an itchy skin rash (so you can see immediately why people aren’t fond of it!). The skin becomes dry and scaly, and in the most severe cases, there can be weeping and crusting. The urge to scratch in these worst cases is sometimes overpowering, and when this happens, constant scratching can cause the skin to split and bleed, leaving it open to infection. Yes, it’s not pleasant!

Because it’s technically quite a broad-ranging term, cases of eczema can sometimes be one-off, or they can be chronic or long-lasting, with intermittent periods of flare-ups and remissions. If you suffer from it, take heart in the fact you’re not alone; it affects people of all ages, but it’s mostly seen in children. Here in the UK, one in five children and one in twelve adults suffer from it. And while there’s no permanent cure just yet, there are lots of treatment options available.

Here are our answers to a couple of key questions you might be asking:

What causes eczema?

People who suffer from eczema often have skin that doesn’t retain moisture quite as well as other people’s, which is what leads to it drying out and cracking. This loss of moisture also means that bacteria and irritants can pass through it more easily, occasionally resulting in infection.

Is eczema contagious?

Eczema isn’t contagious, just common. Researchers think that it’s a hereditary trait – in other words, if your parents had it, it makes it more likely that you will too.

How To Deal With Eczema

While there isn’t a permanent cure just yet, you can ease the symptoms of eczema in a couple of ways:

Stay moisturised

This is especially important in winter, as the cold air can make your skin especially prone to drying out. A daily moisturising lotion is the best way to do this – it’s most effective when applied to high contact areas like your hands, face, elbows and knees. You can find a nationally-acclaimed moisturiser in our Prescribed Solutions range of skincare products.

Stay warm

Keeping your skin warm and comfortable is important for many of the same reasons. Extreme temperature changes can cause drying, cracking and flakiness – some of the very worst symptoms of eczema!

Talk to a skincare expert

At AP skincare, we’re dedicated to helping your skin stay happy and healthy. As well as an array of core treatments, we’ve also got a range of skincare products to help make sure your skin keeps its wow factor, even in the adverse weather! What’s more, each of our skincare experts has a wealth of knowledge gained from years of practical experience, so we’re able to give you tailored advice that’s unique to your needs and personal circumstances.